There’s a lot of happenings going on at the McMinnville Housing Authority activity centers located on Hamilton Street, Cope Street and in Morrison.
The centers offer acceptance, love and encouragement, providing a home away from home for children living in or very near the housing authority, or close enough to be able to walk to the facility.
Director Lisa Harvey and a group of volunteers cater to the children, lending a hand down life’s road.
“These children are our future,” said Harvey. “And I feel it’s our responsibility to help where we can to make life better for them. We try to nurture, educate, tutor and encourage them just like we would do for our own children.”
Each afternoon, Monday through Friday, from 3 – 4:45, students come in for help with their homework, a meal and fellowship with their friends.
Harvey has been the director for 10 ½ years, and was affectionately named Mrs. Lady by a student when she first started at the position.
Harvey stresses she does not do this alone, but with assistance from the community in many areas, and from the actual volunteers that regularly show up at the center to either tutor or help with the students.
“I’m so grateful for my volunteers, starting with Ida Davenport, Kerry Mullican, Dale and Roy McDaniel, Carol Chambers and Tim Howard, who all help with the tutoring or Bible lessons,” said Harvey. “I would love to have more folks who are qualified to help, and all they have to do is call me.”
The students have nothing but praise for Harvey and the program, with many of them attending for years. One particular 16-year-old, Cynthia Roberts, started visiting the Hamilton Street Center when she turned 7 years old.
“Mrs. Lady is so sweet and caring, and always ready to help us,” said Roberts. “She is my go-to adult if I have a problem or a concern, she is just a good listener.”
Roberts has high expectations for her future, planning to attend college and become a teacher, a nurse, or maybe take Mrs. Lady’s position when she retires.
The students are rewarded for hard work with fun trips, both educational and recreational. They recently spent a few hours at Hot Wheels Skate Center, skating, eating pizza and snacks, all while enjoying time with their friends.
Harvey says they also help with financial aid for college enrollment, career plans and join in the search for part-time employment for the students.
Free ballet classes are offered each week to girls who are interested, and taught by dance instructor Katie Tubb.
“I loved the ballet class so much,” said 10-year-old Ayiana Collins. “I enjoyed going to ballet class until I fell outside playing and broke my arm. I’m planning to go back soon.”
Center volunteers Dale and Roy McDaniel help Harvey in many areas, such as serving drinks at the skate party, but mainly tutoring in the afternoons. Since Dale is a retired school teacher this is a good fit for her. She and her husband relocated here from Pennsylvania, and found out about the centers from fellow church members.
“I do love the kids, and there is such a need here to help these children,” said Dale. “We are just happy we can contribute.”
Sixteen-year-old Gabriel Tate has praise for the center, and how it has helped him stay on track. He has a wonderful singing voice, and has performed at the last three Hark in the Park events benefiting the center and Magness Library.
“Mrs. Lady is wonderful, and I dedicated a song to her at the concert,” said Tate. “I started here in the first grade, and now after taking culinary classes in high school, I hope to one day become a chef.”
It's just another of the aspiring stories coming from the centers and the dedication of Harvey and her volunteers. To provide assistance or volunteer your time, contact Harvey at 931-205-0813.
